Martin O’Neill opens up on speaking with Liam Scales and Johnny Kenny after dramatic Ireland wins

Add as preferred source on Google

Martin O’Neill will understand the emotions Liam Scales and Johnny Kenny are going through after their Republic of Ireland trip.

The Celtic boss was in charge of Ireland for five years, including guiding the nation to Euro 2016, alongside Roy Keane.

On Sunday, Scales provided the assist to keep Ireland’s World Cup dreams alive after their dramatic stoppage-time win against Hungary.

It also just so happened to be Kenny’s Ireland debut, as it’s a moment in Budapest that the duo won’t forget, and Celtic’s main charge had his say.

• READ MORE: How Celtic’s Viljami Sinisalo fared as Finland suffered a shock World Cup qualifier defeat to Malta

Martin O’Neill on Ireland’s dramatic win over Hungary

Ireland now have play-off matches to look forward to next March, knowing victory would book their trip to the United States, Canada and Mexico for football’s showpiece event.

Speaking with Celtic TV, O’Neill expressed his delight at Ireland’s mammoth week, which was headlined by goalscoring hero Troy Parrott. 

“You mentioned the two lads, that was really great for them,” said O’Neill. “I have spoken to them this morning, and naturally delighted.

“They are so pleased it’s untrue. So, a draw to look forward to. Some matches again in March time, with a wee bit of luck, qualification for the World Cup, which would be fantastic. Really, really great.

“So, what an ending. Incredible really. I noticed something where they had Dublin airport, ‘Troy Parrott airport’, which was really great. Yeah, fantastic effort.”

So, how are Celtic duo Liam Scales and Johnny Kenny feeling?

O’Neill is set to take charge against St Mirren on Saturday, and the great news for him is that Scales and Kenny are buzzing from these two wins against Hungary and Portugal. 

But Celtic’s legendary coach shared that one of them is certainly in ‘better condition’ than the other.

Celtic TV presenter: “You say you have spoken to the boys. Have they come down to planet Earth yet, after that finish?”

O’Neill: “It was interesting. Johnny seemed to be in better condition than Scales. I must have woken him up to tell you the truth. I assume they would have naturally travelled back to Hungary immediately after the game. But both were in great spirits. Really great spirits.

“Just parking that to the side, now something to really look forward to, as I said, in March time, and with a little bit of luck, continuing that right until the summer.”